WOMEN WRITERS ON BYPASSING PARENTHOOD

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Comedy writer Henriette Mantel assembles a star-studded group of child-free contributors in NO KIDDING: WOMEN WRITERS ON BYPASSING PARENTHOOD.

The number of women choosing to remain child-free is at an all-time high. In 2010, according to the Pew Research Center, 18 percent of all women in the United States between the ages of 35 and 50 did not have children; for college-educated women in that age range, the number was 43 percent. But despite these staggering statistics, it can still be controversial for women to choose a life without children. Consequently, many women have been repeatedly questioned or shamed for not having kids — and left feeling isolated, with no outlet for celebrating her independence from motherhood … until now.

In No Kidding: Women Writers on Bypassing Parenthood, comedy writer and editor Henriette Mantel tackles the divisive topic of remaining child-free by giving voice to an underrepresented but rapidly increasing group. With a foreword by Jennifer Coolidge, this fascinating collection features a star-studded group of contributors — including Margaret Cho, Wendy Liebman, Laurie Graff, and other accomplished, funny women — discussing why motherhood is not in their cards. Whether their reasons stem from courage, apathy, monetary considerations, health issues, or something else entirely, the writers in No Kidding honestly and humorously examine their decisions to not have children.

The diverse voices in this collection provide a comprehensive view of this life choice. While Janette Barber paints a bittersweet picture of life without kids, Beth Lapides celebrates all of the things she can say “yes” to after saying “no” to motherhood. Cindy Caponera discusses the decision her fifteen-year-old self made about remaining child-free, and Sue Kolinsky shares her journey toward accepting — and eventually embracing — not having kids for biological reasons. Presenting a wide range of experience, No Kidding is an authentic and compelling glimpse into the hearts and minds of very different women who have all chosen to bypass motherhood.

ABOUT THE PUBLISHER
SEAL PRESS was founded in 1976 to provide a forum for women writers and feminist issues. Since then, Seal has published groundbreaking books that represent the diverse voices and interests of women — their lives, literature, and concerns. Seal’s authors are radical and original thinkers, professionals with a distinct point of view, gutsy explorers, truth-tellers, and writers who engender laughter, tears, and rage. Seal Press publishes books with the goal of informing women’s lives. Based in Berkeley, California, Seal is a member of the Perseus Books Group. You can visit us at www.sealpress.com.